BIM (Building Information Modeling) is more than just a 3D model. BIM is a process of creating and managing building data throughout the building’s entire life cycle. BIM encompasses not only the geometry and spatial relationships (i.e. the 3D model), but also features about the building such as the specific information about the type of materials used, the quantity used, and how those characteristics impact the building as a whole. BIM can be thought of as a database of information ranging from project cost management to the “as-built” 3D model after construction on through the operation of the facility which can be used to actively manage the process every step of the way.

Some of the benefits of using BIM include:

Being able to more accurately determine job costing, scheduling and building efficiencies

Design and pre-construction modeling for visualization purposes, as well as determining potential problems before costly design or construction has taken place (i.e. Clash Detection)

Interoperability amongst all disciplines involved in the building and management of a facility which can be updated in real-time

With the use of 3D laser scanning, ability to have highly accurate “as-builts” for facility management and future modifications to the building or troubleshooting

Facility management to operate and maintain a facility efficiently and cost-effectively

As-Builts Or "Reality Capture"

Laser scanning is an ideal technology for reality capture—the practice of creating digital models of physical spaces—due to its efficiency, accuracy, and detail. Laser scanning is extremely useful for as-built reality capture with BIM, since laser scanning allows for highly accurate as-builts that can aid in both current facility management and potential future modifications to a space.

The use of 3D laser scanning guarantees accuracy and precision, which are both essential in reality capture technology. In addition to aiding in as-builts and BIM modeling, laser scanning can be used for reality capture in other aspects of construction and engineering, as well as telecommunications, historical documentation, and more.

*DISCLAIMER: 3D Laser scanning is a measurement tool to assist in capturing as-built conditions of existing spaces and should be used in conjunction with other sound industry practices for verifying these conditions, including but not limited to: site visits, manual field measurements and verifications of scan data, to ensure its accuracy prior to design and engineering. Because this data can be used for various applications and disciplines outside the scope of the original field scanning and beyond our control, we cannot guarantee that the data is accurate for these uses.